Description

Casablanca (Warner Brothers, 1946). First Post-War Release
Italian 4 - Fogli (55.5" X 78.25") Luigi Martinati Artwork.
An incredible piece never before sold at Heritage, we are elated to
offer this spectacular original release poster from one of the
greatest films ever made. Italian posters are well known for being
superior to their American counterparts, but this illustration by
Luigi Martinati is perhaps the best image found in any of this
film's numerous advertisements. Of course, Warner Brothers couldn't
have predicted that this little picture would be nothing like the
hundreds they churned out year after year. Merely hoping to turn a
profit, they aimed a drama towards audiences weary of their
home-front hardships and the loss of loved ones. The studio began
shooting with an incomplete script cobbled together by several
different writers, then starred a couple of moderately famous
secondary actors. They hadn't an inkling that Humphrey Bogart and
Ingrid Bergman's performance would become an immortal icon for
Hollywood's Golden Age, nor that this picture would still be
revered to this day. Believed to be the only copy of this poster to
have survived and not seen in recent history, this rare and
beautiful piece has had professional restoration to address some
issues. There is touchup to the folds and borders for some small
chipping and mild tears, pinholes in the borders and outer image
area, and a tear in Claude Rains' face. It also had small single
chips in Conrad Veidt's forehead and in Claude Rains' hat, as well
as two in the middle background. Certainly a stunning treasure
coveted by many a collector, no true fan would consider letting
this chance opportunity pass them by. The tagline printed faintly
above the title translates as "They had an appointment with destiny
in Casablanca..." Fine/Very Fine on Linen.